Editor’s NOTE: I remember when I first met Veronica Downing — she wanted to be a reporter. I tried to share with her my wisdom of this career path — that it’s a hard life — rewarding, yes, but you’ve got to earn your dues to play the blues. Since then, Downing has graduated from Elizabeth City State University, even earning a master’s degree. Lot of talent. To read more, see Faithspective.com
Here is a column from her — thanks, Veronica.
CHOSEN: Solomon’s Appointment
Do you know your calling?
In 1st Chronicles 28: 1-10, King David announced in the presence of all his male company (the princes, scribes, soldiers, and his male children) that GOD chose Solomon to build the house where the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord would go.
Such a momentous appointment was David’s heart’s desire, an act of gratitude for all the Lord had done for him and seen him through during his reign as the king of Israel. David even explains how GOD chose him among the sons of Jesse (v.4), the house of Judah, to be king after defeating Goliath in the battle against the Philistines.
However, because God said David was guilty of shedding blood in his many battles, the Lord revealed that his hands were not worthy of building the house. It took the work of one whose heart was pure and whose faithfulness to God was consistent. David took Solomon by the shoulders and told him, “Take heed now, for the Lord hath chosen thee to build a house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.”
How do I know that I have been chosen?
Many believers ask this question when they reach the point of self-discovery: “What am I here for?” “What am I meant to do with my life?” “What is my purpose?”
The answers to these questions are found in the word of God and are made clear by surrendering ourselves to his word before seeking answers from the world. But many of us take the world (meaning human logic) as a detour and get lost in their idealism.
The simple answer is that when we consistently hunger for God’s word and righteousness, the Lord himself will reveal our true identity and purpose on this Earth.
Let’s Break it Down:
Unlike many of the men of the Bible, there are soaring accounts of the wealth, sovereignty, devotion, and wisdom of kings David and Solomon during their reign in Israel. Just because they were kings didn’t mean they were exempt from temptation, anger, or fear; they were flawed men wrestling with their flesh and the cares of this world, just like you. But they kept their faith in difficult times, and when all hope seemed lost, they activated the power of repentance by crying out to the Lord to redeem their lives back to Christ and walk confidently in their calling.
Verse 9 of 1st Chronicles says we must have a perfect heart and a willing spirit. Understand that GOD is not seeking perfect people because none exist. (Romans 3: 10)
A “perfect” heart means we only have eyes for and devotion to God. While our sinful flesh makes this a difficult thing to do, it is vital to our spiritual survival on Earth.
Having a “willing spirit” means committing to doing things the Lord’s way, seeking and keeping his commandments as they are taught to us in his word, and defending them above your own and all other opinions, especially over the views of non-believers who question the validity of GOD’s word and seek to discredit its power.
Finally, realize (meaning accept or embrace the fact) that you are set apart for a purpose. Your life was designed to defy the world’s standard of living. You may not know what that means. You may feel isolated and alone because the world considers you to be different.
Still, God says you are separate from the world because he’s calling you to do something extraordinary for Him that, like Solomon, He has only qualified you to do. Remember, He does not call the qualified; He qualifies those He calls!
Be encouraged that God has a beautiful destiny for you.
